Missionary Ridge in Chattanooga in Hamilton County, Tennessee — The American South (East South Central)

Battle of Missionary Ridge

Without orders, the Federals charged up the mountain

Photographed By Dale K. Benington, July 10, 2010

1. Battle of Missionary Ridge Marker

Inscription. On the morning of November 25, 1863, Maj. Gen. Ulysses S. Grant's Union army began its attack against Gen. Braxton Bragg's Confederates who occupied this ridge and the slopes below. After unsuccessful attacks on the northern end of the ridge, and the slow march of Hooker's troops from the south, Grant ordered Maj. Gen. George H. Thomas' troops in the center to seize the Confederate rifle-pits at the base of the ridge.

The Federals stormed the rifle-pits, forcing Confederates to retreat up the slopes in front of you. Then, without orders, the Federals swarmed up the slope in pursuit, swept over the crest, and routed the poorly positioned defenders. The outnumbered Confederates broke and fled down the slope behind you. Only darkness and the rearguard action of Maj. Gen. Patrick R. Cleburne saved the Confederates from destruction.

The Union victory here at Missionary Ridge left Chattanooga firmly in Union hands, and set the stage for General Sherman's advance against Atlanta in the spring.

Erected by Chickamauga and Chattanooga National Military Park.

Topics. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: War, US Civil. A significant historical date for this entry is November 25, 1863.

Location. 35° 1.168′ N, 85° 15.801′ W. Marker is in Chattanooga

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, Tennessee, in Hamilton County. It is in Missionary Ridge. Marker is on South Crest Road south of East Main Street, on the left when traveling south. In order to view this historical marker one must find a way to get to the crest of Missionary Ridge. The options to use in ascending Missionary Ridge are limited and difficult to locate if you are not familiar with the area. From downtown Chattanooga, I drove east to Missionary Ridge on Main Street, and using Main Street took me to the top of Missionary Ridge. Once at the top of Missionary Ridge I needed to make two right turns to get on South Crest Street and then go only a slight distance south to reach the Bragg Reservation which is where this historical marker is located. Once you have entered the Bragg Reservation you will find this historical marker on the west side of the parking area on the old Ridge Road that runs through the Bragg Reservation. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Chattanooga TN 37404, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. 79th Illinois Infantry (here, next to this marker); 27th Illinois Infantry (here, next to this marker); Harker's Brigade (a few steps from this marker); 42nd Illinois Infantry (a few steps from this marker); Sheridan's Division (a few steps from this marker); Cobb's Kentucky Battery (a few steps

Photographed By Dale K. Benington, July 10, 2010

2. Battle of Missionary Ridge Marker

Close-up view of the battlefield map displayed on the historical Marker.

from this marker); 36th Illinois Infantry (a few steps from this marker); Bragg's Headquarters (within shouting distance of this marker). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Chattanooga.

Photographed By Dale K. Benington, July 10, 2010

3. Battle of Missionary Ridge Marker

Close-up view of illustration from historical marker showing federal troops storming confederate positions on the crest of Missionary Ridge.

Photographed By Dale K. Benington, July 10, 2010

4. Battle of Missionary Ridge Marker

View of the historical marker at its location on the western crest of Missionary Ridge in the Bragg Reservation.

Photographed By Dale K. Benington, July 10, 2010

5. Battle of Missionary Ridge Marker

View of the Bragg Reservation with the featured historical marker being located just to the left of the parking area.

Bragg Reservation Sign image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Dale K. Benington, July 10, 2010

6. Bragg Reservation Sign

This historical marker is located in the Bragg Reservation on Missionary Ridge.

Photographed By Neil Ashton

7. Battle of Missionary Ridge Marker

Sweet's Light Artillery

Credits. This page was last revised on February 7, 2023. It was originally submitted on December 12, 2010, by Dale K. Benington of Toledo, Ohio. This page has been viewed 1,805 times since then and 20 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6. submitted on December 12, 2010, by Dale K. Benington of Toledo, Ohio. 7. submitted on June 3, 2011, by Neil Ashton of Peoria, Arizona.